LAHORE: Bata Pakistan's Managing Director Imran Malik has been elected as new Chairman of the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association (PFMA) for 2020-21. Speaking on assuming his office, Imran Malik vowed to complete all ongoing projects, particularly Italian Pakistan Footwear Technology Center and said he would take this project to next level of excellence. This facility would be used for betterment and growth of footwear sector in Pakistan.

He assured to take all necessary decisions in consultation with the executive committee members for the larger interest of footwear sector. Outlining his priorities, the new chairman said that he would make all-out efforts to engage the public sector's relevant organs to create conducive environment for future cooperation that can serve for benefit of exporters, manufacturers, component supplies, large, small and medium small industries of footwear sector.

Imran Malik said the industry faces challenges like rising input cost that makes our product less competitive in the international market. He assured to take up this issue with government to provide tax concessions by abolishing Additional Customs Duty on inputs.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020